Vanity box



July 19, :1938.

R.- N. HQULIHAN VANITY BOX Filed De. 13, 1937 2 Sheets-Sheefl mail :5.

NVEN-ron July 19, 1938; i R. N. HQULIHAN4 I n 2,124,300

VANITY BOX Filed nec. 13, 1937 2 sheets-sheet 2 A v ATTORNEYS.

UNITEDSTATES PATENT ries Rudolph N. Houlihan,

or to The Bridgeport Bridgeport, Conn., assign- Metal Goods lvlarruiiac4 turing Company, Bridgeport, Conn., a corporation of Connecticut Application December 13 i2 claims.

This invention relates to new and useful improvementsl in cosmetic holders and has particular relation to a vanity box. An object of the invention is to provide a vanity 5 box of neat and attractive appearance, and one in which the hinge between the cover and body is practically invisible yond the walls of thes Another object is and does not project bee parts.

to. provide a vanity box wherein the parts may be individually finished and then assembled, no finishing operations being required on the assembled box.

A further object is to provide a box of a construction which can be easily assembled and with much less trouble than the usual constructions.

Other objects and advantages willbecome apparent from a tailed descripti accompanying drawings consideration of the following deon taken in connection with the wherein satisfactory embodiments of the invention are shown. However, it is to be understoo not limited to the details all such variations and the spirit of the invention and the s d that the invention is disclosed but includes modications as fall within cope of the evational view of kmy imwith parts broken away;

Fig. 2` isA an enlarged sectional view therethrough, the view being the line 2-4-2 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a plan view of box taken substantially along the body of the vanity Fig. 4 is an edge elevational view of such body;

Fig. 5 is a plan view o f the frame of the box,

a portion being broken away;

Fig. 6 is a sectional view substantially along the line 5-6 of Fig. shown;

Fig. 7 is a plan View employed;

a portion of a cover being of a powder receiving tray Fig. 8 is a sectional view on a reduced scale view being taken along portion of a cover being ociated therewith;

view through the body,

the

the line 9-9of Fig. 3;

Fig. 10 is an enlarged detail sectional view taken along the line IDI- I0 of Fig. 1 and showing the manner in which the main cover of the box is secured;

Fig. 11 is a somewhat similar View but suggesting the manner of assembling the cover with the frame and body;

Fig. 12 is an enlarge d sectional view showing a 1937, Serin No. 179,437 (o1. 1324-82) modified construction vof cover, the view being through the center of a vanity box as suggested by the line I2--I2 of Fig; 1;

Fig. 13 is a plan View showing the cover of Fig. 12 open;

Fig. 14 is a sectional view IA-M of Fig. 13;

Fig. 15 is a View partly in section and partly in elevation showing a spring clip for securing the mirror closed in the modied construction; 1

Fig. 16 is a top plan viewfof a somewhat difierent construction of box with my improved construction applied thereto and with a portion broken away to more clearly show the construction;

Fig. 17 is a front edge view of this box;

Fig. 18 is an end elevation thereof;

Figs. 19 and 20 are detailed sections on an enlarged scale substantially on line Iii- I9 and 20-20 of Fig. 16;

Fig. 21 is a plan View of a somewhat different construction of box in the opened position;

Fig. 22 is an end elevation thereof;

Fig. 23 is an elevation looking from the back of the box;

Fig.'24 is a back edge view of the cover removed from the box showing the hinge pin arrangement;

' Fig. 25 is an edge view of the insert or body of the box showing the mounting for the hingel pin; and

Fig. 26 is a detailed section on an enlarged scale taken substantially on line 26-26 of Fig. 23.

Referring in detail to the drawings and at first particularly to the form of the invention shown in Figs. 1 through 11 my improved vanity box includes a frame II, a body I2 and a cover I3. Cover I3 may be ornamented or colored in any taken along the line manner desired, or may be entirely free of ornamentation. n

Frame II is generally rectangular and includes front and back portions or walls I4 and I5 and a pair of similarinverted U-shaped side portions I6 and I1. The frame is open through from top to bottom, and the inner arms I8 of the U-shapedl portions deiine th-e sides of the opening. It is noted that such inner arms I8 (Fig. 6) are slightly shorter than the outer arms I9 of the U-shaped portions andA that such inner arms stop short of the rear or back portion or wall I5 (Figs. 10 and 11) 1 For a purpose laterto be described a catch 20 is mounted on the frame II and comprises a U-shaped spring member 2| arranged between the arms I8 and I9 of the U-shaped side portion Il as best shown in Figs. 2 and 5. The wall I8 of such portion has a pair of slots therein and one end portion of spring member 2| carries a U-shaped part 22 the upper and lower arms of which extend through such slots (Fig. 2) to normally project at the inner side thereof. Obviously the part 22 may be pressed back into the channel of the U-shaped portion Il by pressing inwardly with a thumb on the upper free edge thereof, but it will also be clear that spring member 2l is constantly urging the part 22 into projected position.

Body I2 is rectangular and includes a bottom wall 23, front and rear walls 24 and 25 and side walls 25 (Figs. 3, 4 and 9). The front and rear walls 24 and 25 have small nubs or lugs 2l struck up therefrom for a purpose to be set forth, and the front wall 24 also has a bead 28 formed to extend inwardly therefrom. As shown best in Fig. 4 the side walls 26 are substantially cut away between their end portions. On the upper edges of the end portions of the rear wall small inwardly curved lugs 23 are formed and such lugs provide nesting means for the engagement with and confining of the hinge pin 42 of cover I3 as will appear.

Body I2 is adapted to receive a tray 30 for the reception of powder either in loose or cake form. Such tray includes edge and bottom walls 3l and 32 of which one of the edge walls has a cover 33 hinged thereto as at 34. Such cover cooperates with a felt or other compressible sealing means 35 carried by a rectangular member 36 formed of sheet metal of angle cross section and having the felt 35 about the outer side thereof whereby when the member is within the tray the sealing material 35 is somewhat compressed between the upright portions of the angle member and the sides of the tray. Sufficient of the material is used so that it projects above the vertical portions of the angle member to be engaged and partly compressed by the cover 33 when the latter is in closed position.

When loose powder is placed in the tray 30 the sealing material 35 serves to prevent escape of the powder about the edges of the cover and in addition prevents the escape of the powder .between the angle member 36 and the sides of the tray. Should the tray be supplied with powder in theform of a molded cake the cover BSmay be omitted, but when the cover is used the puff or other applicator for the powder may be disposed on the top or upper side of the cover when it is in closed position.

The main cover I3 is here shown as including a mirror 3l secured to the cover by having its edge portions received in a frame 38 which in turn has its edge portions confined within the inturned edge portions 39 of the sheet metal cover portion 48. Along its rear edge cover I3 is providedwith a tubular portion 4I carrying a hinge pin `42 projecting beyond both side edges of the cover as shown in Figs. 1 and 6.

All the parts may be constructed as shown and ygiven the desired finishing operations before the vanity box is assembled. In the assembly the cover I3 is inserted through Vthe open frame II from the under side thereof and the extending ends of the hinge pin 42 are located in the U-shaped side portions I 6 and I I of the frame. That is, the projecting end portions `of the hinge pin are passed inwardly of the frame across the short ends of the inner arms or walls I8 of the portions I6 and I 'I as suggested in Fig. 11. Thus as the cover fills the space between such portions I6 and II the hinge pin is completely concealed as will be seen from Figs. 6, 10 and 12.

Ordinarily the powder tray 30 is next inserted into the body through the lower open side thereof, but if preferred it may be inserted from the front either before or after the body I2 is inserted in the frame."A The tray enters the body and is confined laterally by the inner walls I8 of the frame portions I6 and I'i, and while the tray may thus have a friction t its front and rear edges may be snapped under the nubs 2`I to further serve as means preventing the tray falling from the body when the cover I3 is open. When the tray is within the body one of the edges of the tray is under the lower edge of catch part 22 and such catch part serves to maintain the tray cover 33 in closed position as in Fig. 2. Obviously part 22 may be pressed inwardly against the action of spring 2l when cover 33 is to be opened.

The body I2 is moved into the frame through the lower open side thereof. In this operation care is taken that the lugs 29 on the rear wall of the body enter the spaces between the Walls I8 andk I 9 of the portions I6 and II, and such lugs being curved at their upper or free ends as described and shown engage the projecting end portions of the hinge pin (see Fig. 10) and confine the same against the juncture of the rear wall I of the frame and the upper or connecting parts of the portions I6 and II. In this way the cover is hinged to the box without the use of rivets or the like and in such manner that no hinge projects beyond the edges of the box as the hinge is completely concealed.

The body has a friction fit in the frame as the sides of the body engage the sides of the frame. If desired the frame may have the nubs or lugs 43 struck from the inner surface thereof in such manner as not to form openings therein and these nubs may serve to assist in maintaining the body in the frame. However, it will be apparent that there is no lancing etc. of the frame or other parts in such manner as to have any disiiguration show at the outer side of the vanity box. Further it will be clear that in the event any refinishing is to be done the box may be readily taken apart.

In the modification shown in Figs. 12 through 15 all of the structure including the mounting of f the main cover on the box is the same as that of Figs. 1 through 1l, the entire modification being concerned with the construction of the main cover of the box. The modified construction of cover generally designated 44 comprises a frame 45 secured in place by having its edges confined under the inturned edges 46 of the outer portion v41 of the cover. Frame 45 is of sheet metal, and

when secured to the portion 41 defines a pair of compartments 48 and 49 at the under side of the cover. One of such compartments may receive rouge and the other an applicator therefor, or if desired each may receive a cosmetic and an applicator.

A frame 50 carrying a metal mirror 5I exposed at each of the front and back of such frame is hinged to frame 45 at 52. When the vanity is closed the mirror 5I constitutes a cover for the compartments 48 and 49, and considering such to be the closed position of mirror 5I it may be secured in closed position by means of a clip 53 located at the fcrwardend of the frame 45. Such clip comprises a length of flat springmetal having its end portions bent to extend outwardly through the edge portions of frame V45 providing spring ngers 54 adapted to clamp the mirror 5I in its closed position.

When the cover 44 is swung to open position the cover 33 is exposed and one side of mirror 5l is available for use. When the mirror is swung to open position as in Fig. 13 the other si-de thereof is exposed for use, and at this time the compartments 48 and Iii) and their contents are available. As the vmirror is closed its edges snap between the spring fingers 54, and the main cover carries a bead-like part 55 (Fig. 12) to engage with the bead 28 on the body l2 when the said main cover is in closed position whereby to retain it in such position against casual opening. A thumb piece S facilitates lifting of the front edge of the cover for opening it.

In Figs. 16 to 20 inclusive is shown a slightly different construction of box involving the same arrangement for mounting the cover. This box comprises a body member 51 having bottom, rear and front walls 58, 59 and 60 respectively, but open at its opposite end or side edges. Hinged to this body is a cover 6! which has a forward wall 62 extending down over the front wall 60 of the body. In this construction vthere are frame members 63, although in this arrangement they `are separate members and not connected by side walls as in the first form. The front, rear and bottom walls of the body however project beyond the si-de edges of the cover 6l and the frame members 53 are cupped or U-shaped in cross section and are telescoped over these projecting walls of the body. The projecting portions of the rear wall 59 are curved inwardly at their upper edges as shown at 5ft to form seats for the projecting ends 65 of the hinge pin 66 which is mounted in a rolled over loop E1 formed in the rear edge of the cover 6l. It will be seen from Figs. land 19 that the cover may be assembled to the body by seating the projecting ends 65 of the hinge pin in these nesting bearings 64 and then telescoping the frame members 63 over the projecting ends of the bodies. As will be seen from Figs. 16 and 19 the walls of these frame members will hold the projecting ends of the hinge pin in these bearings 64 and thus the cover is hinged to the body. It will be seen that with this arrangement the hinge is entirely within the outline of the box the same as in the first form and no part of the hinge therefore projects be yond the box and the hinge is effectively concealed. The frictional action between the prov jecting ends of the body, walls and frame members will retain the frame members in position. I-Iowever, if a more permanent connection is required for the frame members they may be provided with small lugs 68 lanced inwardly from the walls of the frame member into openings 69 in the walls of the body. This box maybe used for different purposes, as vanity or to hold various articles, or it may have inserts (not shown) to hold a watch or other jewelry.

In the modification shown in Figs. 21 to 26 the same principle is used for mounting the hinged cover. In this construction the box comprises a frame 1!) in which is inserted a body 1| these two members having telescoping engagement. The body or insert 1I may provide a container for loose powder similar to the construction ofFig. 2. This body may be cupped to form a recess in which is inserted a rectangular mem ber 12 formed of Sheet metal of angle cross section similar to the member 36 of Fig. 2 forming a channel to receive a packing 13 cooperating with a closure 14 hinged to the body at 15 to retain thepowder in the container, a spring catch 16 being provided to hold the closure in closed position. The box includes a cover 11 which may carry another powder container similar to the construction of Fig. 12, but as shown it carries a mirror 18 held in the cover by a frame 19. The edge of the rear wall 80 of this cover is rolled inwardly as shown at 8| to hold a hinge pin or pins 82, and as this ledge is rolled inwardly it will be seen it does not project outwardly beyond the surface of the wall 80. In this present arrangement instead of the end of the hinge pin or pins extending in a straight line from the ends of the loop in the cover they are bent downwardly and inwardly as indicated at 8.3. The rear wall 84 of the body 1I is provided with grooves 85 pressed inwardly in the wall to receive these end portions 83 of the hinge pin and then this body 1I is telescoped within the frame 1li. In this position the rear wall 86 of this frame will lie over the open sides of these grooves 85 as shown in Fig. 26 and retain these free ends of the hinge pin in these grooves and thus pivotally secure the body to the cover of the box as in the other forms. To accommo-date the inwardly extending loop Blof the cover the upper corner or edge of the body 1| may be recessed inwardly as shown at 81 to receive this loop 8l. The hinge pin may be a single pin extending the full length of the loop 8l and having the free ends 83, or if preferred it may comprise two short lengths bent to substantially U-shape. It will be seenfrom Fig.l 26 the hinge does not project outwardly` beyond the surface of the frame and therefore the hinge is effectively concealed and there is no projecting hinge as in the usual box construction. The frictional engagement between the body 1l` and the frame 1|] will retain these elements in telescoping engagement. I-Iowever, rif a morepermanent connection between them is desired lugs 88 may be lanced inwardly from the walls of the frame into openings or recesses in the body as described in connection with Figs. 16 to 20. A spring catch 89 may be provided onthe body and frame cooperating with the recess or notch 90 in the cover to retain the cover in closed position.

As thepresent vanity body is put together without the use of rivets or other similar fastening means and without the use of a press or the like, each part may be separately finished prior to the assembly and no finishing is required after the assembly of the parts. Further attention is calledto the fact that no lancing or similar features are required to be used so as to show at the outer side of the completed box, although such devices may be used if it is desired to more permanently secure the members together. Obviously either of the covers shown may be used since they are mounted in the same way. In all forms shown the hinge between the cover and the body is completely concealed, and as there are no projections at the edges of the box,v a very neat and attractive article 1s provided. l

Having thus set forth the nature of my invention, what I claim is:`

l. In a vanity box including a` Cover and a frame comprising hollow portions at each side edge of the cover, a hinge pin carried by the cover and extending into each of said side portions, a body within said frame, and nesting means on said body and engaging and confining the extending portions of said pin against said frame portions.

2. In a vanity box, a frame including side, front and rear portions and top portions at the junctures of said side and rear portions, a body within the frame, a cover, a hinge pin carried by the cover and having its ends extending under said top portions whereby said ends are completely concealed, and nesting means carried by said body and confining the ends of said pin against the junctures of said top and rear portions of the frame.

3. In a vanity box, a frame having inverted U-shaped side portions the inner arm of each of which stops short of the rear part of the frame, a cover closing the space between said side portions, a hinge pin carried by said cover and extending at its ends into said portions across the ends of the short arms thereof, a body in said frame, and preformed nesting means on said body and engaging and confining the end portions of the hinge pin within said U-shaped frame portions.

4. In a vanity box, a rectangular frame having inverted U-shaped side portions the inner arms of which stop short of the rear of the frame, said portions having their outer and upper arms forming a closed corner with the rear of the frame, a cover closing the space between said side portions, a hinge pin on the cover and projecting beyond each side edge thereof and having its ends crossing the ends of the short arms of said inverted U-shaped portions and entering said closed corners, a body in the frame and including parts entering said inverted U-shaped portions through the open lower sides thereof, and means on such parts of the body and engaging and confining the ends of such hinge pin in said closed corners to hingedly mount the cover on the frame.

5. In a vanity box, a body, a cover for the body, a frame attached to said cover and forming a compartment at the under side thereof, means hinged to an end portion of said frame and adapted to be disposed over said compartment toclose the same, a flat spring extending across the under side of said frame adjacent the end thereof opposite said hinge, and said spring having its ends bent and extending upwardly through the edge portions of said frame to engage the edges of said means to releasably secure it in position extending over said compartment.

6. In a vanity box, a rectangular frame having inverted U-shaped side portions, said portions having their outer and upper arms forming a closed corner with the rear of the frame, a cover closing the space between said side portions, a hinge pin `on the cover and projecting beyond each side edge thereof and having its ends entering said closed corners, a body in the frame and including parts entering said inverted U-shaped portions through the open lower sides thereof, and curved lugs on the upper edges of such parts and comprising nesting means engaging and partly embracing such ends of the hinge pin and holding them against the junctures of the upper and rear walls forming such closed corners whereby the cover is hingedly mounted.

'7. A vanity box comprising an open rectangular frame having opposite side portions of substantially inverted U-shape in cross section providing outer and inner spaced walls, a body having a bottom wall and side walls telescoping into the said outer walls of the frame, a holder for powder telescoping within the inner walls of the frame, and a hinged cover closing the upper side of the frame.

8. A vanity box comprising an open rectangular frame having opposite side portions of substantially inverted U-shape in cross section providing outer and inner spaced walls and top walls connecting them, a body having a bottom wall and also side walls telescoping into the said outer walls of the frame, a cover for the upper open side of theframe, a hinge pin for the cover projecting beyond said inner walls and lying against the said top walls, and means on the body forming seats for said pin on the opposite sides thereof from the top walls.

9. A vanity box comprising an open rectangular frame having opposite side portions of substantially inverted U-shape in cross section providing outer and inner spaced Walls and top walls connecting them, a cover for the upper open side of the frame, .a hinge pin for the cover projecting beyond said inner walls and positioned at the under side of said top walls, a body having a bottom wall and also having side walls telescoping into said outer walls of the frame, means on said body forming seats for said pin on the opposite side thereof from the top wall, and a powder container telescoping within the inner walls ofy the frame.

10. A box of the character described comprising a body, frame members at the opposite side edges-of the body having telescoping engagement therewith, a cover, a hinge pin carried by the cover and extending at the opposite ends of the cover into said frame members, and said body being provided with nesting means to receive said ends and provide bearings therefor and confining said ends between said nesting means and a wall of the frame members.

11. A box of the character described comprising a body member having end portions provided with recesses, a cover for the body having a hinge pin projecting from the opposite ends thereof and seated in said recesses, and frame members telescoping over the end portions of the body and having walls retaining the pin in said recesses to connect the cover to the body.

12. A box of the character described comprising a body having recesses in a rear wall, a cover having a hinge comprising projecting pin portions seated in said recesses, and a frame telescoping with the body and having walls extendingover said recesses to retain the projecting pin portions therein to secure the cover to the body.

RUDOLPH N. HOULIHAN. 

